» CHARACTER INFORMATIONCharacter NAME: Koujaku (紅雀)Canon & MEDIUM: DRAMAtical Murder | Japanese visual novelCanon PULL-POINT: End of the common route, after a quick chat with Aoba.Character AGE: Never stated, but he's older than Aoba (23), but they were childhood friends so he can't be that old. I put him around 25-28.Character ABILITIES: Koujaku is shown as being a competent, strong fighter. He could easily fall into the badass normal trope. He does have some extra abilities, though. In the game, it alludes to the tattoos granting him powers and extra strength. Once the tattoos take over him, he 1) can be controlled by Ryuuhou 2) turns into this. The tattoos seem to have a life of their own, too and can change colors and grow. In the band end, this is shown to be depicted like this. It seems if he gets very, very angry the tattoos can take over his mind and cause him to turn into his "other" form. This isn't seen until his route until the very end, so it's not a common occurrence where he randomly just hulks out. He also knows how to use his sword well, as he's seen carrying it around most of the time.

Character HISTORY: Koujaku was born from a mistress and the head of a yakuza clan. This simple fact has plagued and cursed him and his mother since he was born. The two of them were on the run when he was younger, living with his grandmother and eventually settling in Aoba's home town, Midorijima. While there, Koujaku and Aoba became childhood friends. Koujaku protected Aoba from the other kids who would pick on him, and not only that, Koujaku would stay with Aoba when Tae worked late. Their friendship lasted for an unknown amount of years before Koujaku and his mother no longer could hide from his father, making them move to the main land.

After moving to the mainland, Koujaku was groomed to be the heir of his father's yakuza clan. He wanted nothing to do with that, but since his father's wife couldn't have children after a stillborn, Koujaku was chosen. His father's wife was extremely cruel to his mother -- physically and verbally. Koujaku tried to help his mother, but his father didn't do anything and he was only a young teenager at the time and couldn't do much. Eventually his father met a tattoo artist named Ryuuhou. His father was convinced by Ryuuhou to let the man tattoo Koujaku as a yakuza tradition. Koujaku didn't want this burden and responsibility of being the heir, but his father let Ryuuhou tattoo him anyway. Only Ryuuhou knew that these tattoos weren't normal, but instead being marked with his tattoos was a way for him to control people. After an extremely painful old school tattooing process, the tattoos were complete and Ryuuhou was able to control Koujaku's mind. With this power, Ryuuhou "created" another side to Koujaku -- a savage monster. Koujaku lost control of himself and started to attack his father's yakuza clan and everyone around him. He attacked his own mother even, and eventually she died from the wounds he inflicted on her. When he came to his senses, he realized what he had done. He was going to kill himself, but in the end, the image of Aoba came to his mind, and he couldn't go through with it.

After some time, Koujkau returned to Midorijima about two years before the main story takes place. He came back to protect Aoba as he feels that's the only thing he has left in his life. At first he had a hard time letting go of his past, but eventually he adjusted and acted like all the bad things that happened and occurred on the mainland never happened. He became a playboy, a freelance hairdresser, and a rather famous rib player on the island (rib is never fully explained, but it's sort of like gangs that fight and claim territory). He reconnected Aoba, randomly dropping by Tae's house and surprising Tae and Aoba. He formed his rib group called Benishigure after he got a good following of rib players, and with his group, he helps the local community and neighborhood with volunteer work. He reconnected and became friends with Aoba and a few others, including Mizuki, in Midorijima.

Eventually story events unfold and Koujaku wants to help Aoba out. After finding out Aoba was dragged into a Rhyme game without his consent -- a form of virtual reality meets fighting -- he is concerned about his friend. Eventually Koujaku watches as Aoba literally collects all these weirdos who are shady to say the least. He worries about Aoba, keeping an eye on him to make sure he's fine. At the same time he trusts Aoba with whatever decisions he makes, but he can't help but worry. He clashes with another character, Noiz, the most as he describes Noiz as the type of person he can't stand. Noiz is also the Rhyme player who dragged Aoba into playing a round of Rhyme with him, and Rhyme and Rib players are already known as being very antagonistic towards each other. Eventually Koujaku notices something is off with their mutual friend, Mizuki, and asks Aoba to check up on him.

When Tae and Aoba are kidnapped (by different people), Koujaku calls Aoba's coil. Eventually Aoba returns explaining the situation, and while Koujaku has his reservations with working with the other characters, especially Noiz and Mink, Aoba's SCRAP ability (basically mind control via his voice) calms him down and helps him focus on getting Tae back. Once they discover Morphine has taken control of Mizuki and his entire rib team, Dry Juice. Mizuki's brain is damaged by Aoba's attempt at SCRAP failing. Koujaku is glad Aoba and Tae are safe, surprised the rumors about Morphine and their antics being true. When all the characters return to Tae's house, she explains Aoba's ability. Koujaku seems supportive of Aoba, and after Aoba gets that huge info dump, he consoles him about Mizuki and what's happened so far.

Character PERSONALITY: Initially Koujaku is introduced as a ladies man who has fangirls around him. He opens saying that women are, "treasures of the world, and refusing one is something he simply cannot do." essentially. It seems like Koujaku is quite the charmer who enjoys social interaction and company quite a bit -- a foil to Aoba's personality. He seems like that cool, suave guy most guys want to be and whom women want to be around. When it comes to women, it seems his charms extend more than just words, and his "special" clients might end up swooning over him even more so. As a hairdresser, he's known to, "take women to heaven" as he works on their hair. He's a freelance hairdresser, but even then, he seems to have a cult following among the women of Midorijima. There always seems to be at least two women around him, latching onto his arm or walking beside him. It's not just the women, though, as some men find Koujaku a pretty awesome guy (if they don't get angry about all the women flocking to him, that is). Due to being a good fighter, quite charismatic, and strong, Koujaku gained a following of rib fighters. His gang, called Benishigure, aren't just about fighting. They also help locals out and do community service, which of course is headed by Koujaku. It seems wherever he goes, people gravitate towards him. He does really try to seem cool, even in front of Aoba. He's also able to say some rather corny lines and get away with it (unless it's around Aoba) due to his charisma and good looks. Aoba seems to be the only one who can see past it, or maybe Koujaku is so corny that he shuts all his attempts down.

As mentioned above, Koujaku looks out for the people living in his gang's territory. He hates Yakuza with a great passion due to his childhood and being the former heir to a Yakuza clan. He's willing to work with the corrupt cops in Midorijima because they can be paid off and some aren't too bad. When introduced to Virus and Trip, Koujaku takes an immediate disliking to them once Aoba reveals they are Yakuza (and Aoba stated they are friends, which seemed to unnerve Koujaku even more so). He comments on not liking people who can't negotiate, too, or be fair. Even though he seems like a calm, collected cool guy, if someone rubs him wrong, he isn't going to be shy about it. Still, it's hard to rub him wrong according to him (Aoba just seems to collect too many weirdos to handle). He's seen getting angry at those who hurt and threaten Aoba for the most part. It's hard to calm him down once he gets really worked up, which ties into his tattoos. Once provoked, there's no turning back, and this is often seen in his confrontations with Noiz in the game and during the latter point in his route. It's very possible that Koujaku has selectively shown Aoba certain sides of himself and hid others, so Aoba's impression might not be the most accurate. It's pretty apparent Koujaku holds and keeps his grudges for a long time, but he's not going to let his grudge interfere with helping Aoba. While it takes Aoba's ability, SCRAP, to calm Koujaku several times throughout the game, in the game's true route, Koujaku works with the others to help Aoba save Ren and Midorijima despite having their differences.

Koujaku has many shades to him, and most are outer shells used to protect those close to him. He rather suffer silently than have those he cares about hurt or even in danger. He wants to protect those who are close to him, as he doesn't want them to suffer the way he has. Deep down Koujaku is guilt ridden over the murder of his mother, and this guilt has shaped how he "protects" those important to him. He's an extremely private person who uses his outer layers to reassure those close to him and even strangers/acquaintances that he's happy and doing well. While it's unsure how much his outer personality is a facade, it's clear its purpose is to keep a distance between him (and essentially his past) and those around him. He often uses his outgoing personality to gather information, too. The only person he seems to relax around is Aoba, who he's able to be more of himself around. He smokes in front of Aoba and is able to enjoy some peace and quiet. He genuinely cares and worries about Aoba throughout the common route, checking up on him and investigating leads. When Aoba is pulled into a "drive by" -- a Rhyme game where one person is pulled into the battle field unwillingly or without consent -- he goes to investigate this occurrence, but he doesn't reveal to Aoba this, not wanting him to worry or be concerned.

The reason for him and Aoba naturally getting along well is probably due to their childhood friendship, but the trust for the most part is one way during the common route when it comes to private affairs. While he trusts Aoba to take care of himself and make the right decisions (not that he doesn't worry or isn't concerned), Koujaku doesn't let Aoba gain too much insight into his own struggles. This becomes a major point in his route, as Aoba realizes that he really doesn't know much about Koujaku and Koujaku's trust in him isn't on par with his trust in him. Koujaku's main reason for coming back to Midorijima is to protect Aoba and start anew. Living in Midorijima again was a way for him to escape the darkest parts of his past, but his tattoos are a constant reminder of what happened. He's also trying to seek out revenge upon Ryuuhou (man who gave him his tattoos). He's stuck in this limbo, to say, between moving on and being stuck in the past. Another reason why Koujaku doesn't open up to Aoba could easily be the fact Aoba thought of him as a hero, and he thought if Aoba knew his violent past, Aoba would turn away from him and no longer be his friend. Also he mentions when he sees Aoba again after all those years being separated, while Aoba thought he was mostly the same, Koujaku realized how much Aoba had grown up and changed (which isn't a bad thing). It goes to show while they are comfortable with each other on the outside, they still have many issues between them that need to be resolved. Still, they're naturally friendly and comfortable with each during the common route. Koujaku seems to be a close person to Aoba and even Aoba's grandmother (as Aoba said Tae probably thought of Koujaku like a second grandson).

If his route his chosen, Koujaku finally gets the reassurance he needs from Aoba and Aoba is able to help him deal with the burdens of his heart and past. After they become lovers, there are tensions and an awkwardness about their feelings. After all, Koujaku worried about his feelings towards Aoba because he didn't want to ruin their renewed friendship. Yet it's clear to him he wants more and that he's fallen in love with Aoba. After an awkward confession, he explains how he's not sure where the lines in the sand are about their friendship and now being lovers, but they've crossed the point of no return to being strictly platonic. It takes time for them to figure out their new relationship, as it's easy for them to act like best friends one moment, fumble into awkward romantic moments in another, and then have moments where they're clearly lovers. Also in his route, his sentimental side comes out. It's mentioned in a side story that he thinks "love" is the best spice/ingredient in food and even when Aoba baked him a failed cake, he still loved it. In the route's epilogue, it's stated that he cut Aoba's hair and kept the remainder of his hair in a box. While Aoba thinks that it's extremely creepy, Koujaku reveals how much Aoba's hair means to him and to please let him do this.

» EXSILIUM INFORMATIONChosen WEAPON: He'll be bringing his sword from canon, but the sword will eventually show its unique properties. The sword's ability changes depending on his mood. As it evolves, the sword will have more abilities depending on Koujaku's mood. Initially it will only work when he's calm. When he's calm and collected, the sword becomes indestructible, able to cut through almost anything. When he's worried, sad, or anxious, the sword is surrounded by ice, and whatever the blade touches, is encased in ice. Holding the sword too long in this state can cause frosting on his palms. When Koujaku feels angry or has lost control of his emotions, the sword is engulfed in fire and is extremely hot to the touch. Prolonged handling of the sword in this state can leave him with blisters and burns on his hands. Lastly, when he's extremely happy or he feels in love, the sword has a healing ability that can heal physical wounds and ailments (cuts, bruises, headaches, etc. not like regrowing limbs or curing a terminal/chronic illnesses).

Character INVENTORY:• clothing -- kimono• allmate -- beni• sword ( see above )• coil -- not working• his hair piece• a box that has a pair of trimming scissors and a comb

» SAMPLESFirst PERSON:TEXT

This place reminds me of home in some ways, but not in the good way. Would anyone be kind enough to give a newbie some tips? There has to be a social life around here even in this setting, I'd think. We can't all be miserable all the time, so letting loose with a few drinks and good company is probably a standard here.

Maybe if someone shows me around, I can eventually return the favor. I'm a man with a few talents, but of those talents, I can say I'm quite gifted in that area.

Third PERSON: There was a time where he wishes he could start over and pretend what happened on the mainland with his mother never happened. When he returned to Midorijima, he had the chance at another start, and he was doing quite well for himself as a freelance hairstylist and Rib player. Now that he's arrived here, things are different once again. No matter where he ended up with Aoba, the promise he made years ago to protect him wouldn't be nullified. The timing of being taken from Midorijima and placed here... he wondered if there was some sort of connection between Toue and this all. After all, Tae just explained the ability Aoba had. While he always knew something different about Aoba, he never thought it'd be anything like that. Those years apart from each other, it seems a lot fo things happened to them. At least with Aoba he wasn't able to remember, but Koujaku couldn't ever forget or let go. While he made one of his main purposes in life to protect Aoba, he still was looking for the man who gave him these cursed tattoos. He couldn't let go, and part of wouldn't let go because he wanted revenge and a way to channel out his anger. Whatever new forces existed here, he was used to fighting forces and controlling governments.

He knew he wouldn't be able to find Ryuuhou here, and he was so close. He knew Mizuki had met up with Ryuuhou, and he was so close to catching that bastard. With Mizuki being out of commission and not even being with them here, it set him back way more than he wanted. He decided to focus his attention on Aoba, as he could at least keep that promise. While things seemed peaceful, he still had reservations to say the least. They were trapped here, and from what he could gather, people came from a variety of different worlds. He wasn't sure how it was possible, but maybe this went on much deeper than he initially thought at first. He tried to gather information about this place without stirring up too much attention. Most of the people who were here had very unique circumstances and or abilities from what he could tell. He just didn't want to draw attention to Aoba and Aoba's own ability. He also made sure to keep his own unique "characteristic" or ability a secret so far. He didn't mind helping others, but he wanted to make sure Aoba was safe first. He had been checking the network and various posts made by others here, and while it was overwhelming and a lot of information, he tried to organize everything he learned to help his own personal cause.

While the convenience of not having his coil and his usual resources were felt quickly, he still thought about returning home for the sake of Aoba and Midorijima. If what Tae said was true, and he believed it, then Aoba would have to be the one who have to go into Platinum Jail. If that was the case, he would whatever he could to help. While his mind drifted to the past when they were childhood friends at times, the Aoba he saw was a grown man. Not that disliked that, no, he's quiet proud of what Aoba has become. Worrying about Aoba is reflexive to him, though. Maybe it was reflexive because he had very few things to actually live for, and being there for Aoba was one of them. While he enjoyed life on Midorijima, the guilt and burden chipped and ate at him still no matter where he was. He already told Aoba that no matter where they were, he'd be there for him. This was true, and he would hold to it no matter how he was feeling. Keeping himself busy with starting up a business and meeting the local women around here served as a distraction, at least.